Catalyst composition and method for producing diaryl carbonates

摘要

Hydroxyaromatic compounds such as phenol are carbonylated with oxygen and carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst system comprising a Group VIIIB metal, preferably palladium; an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal halide, preferably sodium bromide; and at least one sulfone such as sulfolane. The catalyst system also preferably contains a compound of another metal, preferably lead.